Additive manufacturing, sometimes known as 3D printing, is exactly what it sounds like. Working from a computer-generated model, a "printer" puts down layer after layer of material, adding layers until the design is realized in a finished part.
Admittedly, there's a lot of hype attached to this new technology. But there's plenty of real-world promise, too. Penn State's Center for Innovative Materials Processing through Direct Digital Deposition, known as CIMP-3D, aims to be a world-class resource for that resurgence.

Penn State is the recipient of one of 19 advanced manufacturing technology planning grants awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The grants, awarded to universities and other nonprofit organizations, are the first conferred by NIST's new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia Program. Penn State will use the funding to launch the Consortium for Additive Manufacturing Materials.

Penn State will be part of a new public-private partnership aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing and encouraging companies to invest in the United States. The new partnership, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), is a consortium of research universities, community colleges and non-profit organizations from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and manufacturing firms nationwide.